Pump prices in California and other states are surging and refining and ethanol costs rise. / Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

by Gary Strauss, USA TODAY

by Gary Strauss, USA TODAY

The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has risen 5 cents the past two weeks. The Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday says the price of a gallon of regular is $3.61, the highest price in Lundberg's twice-monthly surveys since late July 2013.

The price is 4 cents below its year-ago point but 44 cents higher than 2013's low.

Californians saw some especially painful spikes this weekend. Drivers there are averaging $4.04 a gallon after a 35-cent jump in wholesale prices since mid-March -- prices could hit up to $4.25 within days.